Raimana Van Bastolaer – surfing legend and guardian of the Teahupo’o wave
Raimana Van Bastolaer
Surf guide in French Polynesia, surf instructor in California, guardian of the Teahupo’o wave... and one of the most talented surfers in the world! Raimana Van Bastolaer is a surfing legend. His ease on the water impresses and inspires people around the world.
It all started with bodyboarding, before Raimana discovered a love of surfing that would stay with him forever. The Tahitian surfer quickly mastered the waves of Teahupo'o, Tahiti's legendary surf spot, which he now knows better than anyone. It is there, at home on the Tahiti peninsula, that he spent most of his sporting career.
Discover the wave of Teahupo’o
Teahupo’o, the wave that hosted the surfing events of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, holds a special place in Raimana’s heart. There, he witnessed surfing legends succeeding one another, careers blossom, and incredible performances make history. The wave is famous around the world and reserved for experienced surfers. That's where all the talented Tahitian surfers gather: Vahine Fierro, Kauli Vaast, and Michel Bourez have made it their regular spot.
The surfing veteran invites all visitors to The Islands of Tahiti to discover this legendary wave, always accompanied by a professional guide: “To see the wave, you need to contact the local service providers. They are located at the Teahupo'o marina and will easily take you to the wave by boat”. Reservations can be made by phone or online with the various service providers in Teahupo'o.
Over the years, Raimana Van Bastolaer became friends with some of the greatest local and international surfers: Kelly Slater, Laird Hamilton, Jeremy Flores, Manoa Drollet, and Kauli Vaast, whom he mentored from a young age.
Today, Raimana Van Bastolaer navigates between his work in California and his family life in Tahiti. In the United States, he is a coach at the Lemoore Surf Ranch, famous for Kelly Slater's artificial wave.
“I may work abroad and travel a lot, but for me, Polynesia is my home and always will be. It’s a place unlike anywhere else in the world, natural and authentic, where everything is simpler.”
Raimana Van Bastolaer created the “Raimanaworld,” an authentic and passionate universe in which he invites everyone to invent their own life and trace their own path. Discover French Polynesia today through the eyes of Raimana Van Bastolaer.
Enjoy local, authentic flavors
French Polynesia is also a land of flavors. Local fruits, , and fish blend with influences from world cuisines (especially French and Asian) to create a wide variety of dishes that will take your taste buds on a journey !
“Mā'a Tahiti is my favorite meal,” Raimana says with delight. This meal, traditionally eaten on Sundays, brings Polynesian families together around a large table. It is a sharing moment in which local specialties cooked underground in the ahimā'a (traditional slow-cooking oven) are enjoyed: pork, chicken, fish, fruits, and vegetables all come together to create this feast.
When he puts on his tour-guide hat, Raimana Van Bastolaer also makes sure to offer his clients an authentic experience of life in Tahiti: “I always take my clients to small local snack bars or to eat at locals' homes. Among my favorite places are the Tavania snack bar in Vairao and the Hoanui snack bar in Mataiea near the Papara Golf Course.” In local restaurants or at home, the simplest dishes are often the best: “I love raw fish in coconut milk, sashimi, or punu pua'atoro (corned beef) with pasta or uru (breadfruit).”
Try surfing with a guide
French Polynesia is famous for surfing and has many spots suitable for surfers of different levels: "For beginners, the beach break at Papara in Taharu'u is easy to surf. But when conditions are good, it's often crowded. So, you don't get much access to the waves. To surf, you can also go to the other Society Islands or the Tuamotu Islands, such as Tikehau. There are some very good surfing spots there. But be careful, you usually need to know the locals to go there."
From the most famous spots to the most secret ones, it's important to note that “it's not recommended to go surfing on spots reserved for locals.” It's best to go with a local surf guide or surf school to enjoy a surf trip in French Polynesia.
Discover the heart of Tahiti
Let's leave the ocean for a moment and venture into the heart of the island of Tahiti. “One of the must-do activities in Tahiti is to cross the island, which can be done in a 4x4.”
The high islands, such as those found in the Society Islands, leave a lasting impression on visitors. You will find wide valleys, impressive waterfalls that feed magnificent rivers, and lush vegetation... a landscape that offers a completely different experience of The Islands of Tahiti. Here, more than ever, you will feel the Mana, that ancestral spiritual force that gives the Fenua its unique atmosphere. To visit the Polynesian valleys, guided hikes are also available.
Take a trip to Taha’a Island
Taha'a, nicknamed Vanilla Island, is located about 250 km from Tahiti. It is one of Raimana Van Bastolaer's favorite islands: “I really like Taha'a. I often go there with my family. That's where my favorite hotel in Polynesia is located : the Taha'a by Pearl Resorts”.
The surfer recommends exploring the island with one of the many tour operators based in Taha'a and its sister island, Raiatea: "My favorite excursion is the one offered by Terainui Tours in Taha'a. It includes a lagoon tour, a visit to a pearl farm, a visit to a rum distillery and to a vanilla plantation, followed by lunch on the motu (islet) right by the water. “
For Raimana Van Bastolaer, these days offer precious moments: ”I really enjoy sitting on a chair with my feet in the water and eating crab or raw fish. When you put your hands in the lagoon water, little fish come around you to pick up the leftover food. I love these moments!"
Experience the Society Islands by sailboat
Another way to discover Taha'a and the rest of the Society Islands is to explore Polynesia by sailboat. "When my clients have a yacht, we visit the islands: we spend our days snorkeling, diving, surfing, kitesurfing... By boat, we usually visit the Society Islands, because going to the Tuamotu Islands by yacht takes more time. The Leeward Islands allow you to experience a lot in just a few days." Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a, Bora Bora, and Maupiti are all wonders waiting to be discovered.
Enjoy a stay close to the ocean to feel the elements and take the time to observe the animals that populate our crystal-clear lagoons. Service providers often offer cruises with a skipper and cook at all-inclusive rates, allowing you to relax and enjoy the moment.
Discover the Marquesas Islands
Almost 1,500 km from Tahiti, the Marquesas Islands feel like a world of their own. Raimana Van Bastolaer fell in love with Te Henua Enata, the Land of Men, during his travels: "I fell in love with the Marquesas. It's truly a place to discover, you absolutely must go there! You'll discover a different perspective on Polynesia." The archipelago is known for its steep mountains, wild plains, and secluded beaches. Ancestral culture reigns here: discover the art of tattooing (patutiki), dance, sculpture, and the archaeological remains that tell the story of the Marquesas Islands.
To get there, take a local airline for a flight of just over three hours. “You can also take the Aranui (a cruise ship traveling around the islands) to visit all the islands, traveling directly from bay to bay so you can go hiking and see the landscapes of the Marquesas.”
Fill your suitcase with unique souvenirs
You didn't think you'd leave empty-handed, did you? To keep a souvenir of your trip to The Islands of Tahiti, you can fill your suitcases with all sorts of things: hand-painted pareos, woven baskets or hats, monoi oil, Tahitian vanilla, and black pearls are just a few of the items that are sure to remind you of your most beautiful moments in Fenua.
Raimana Van Bastolaer suggests adding a beautiful, handcrafted piece to your collection, representing the vibrant everyday culture of our islands: “You must bring back a ukulele or a va'a (Polynesian canoe) paddle as a souvenir of Polynesia.” It will decorate your home, teach you the dancing rhythms of our islands, and even, why not, encourage you to try your hand at va'a!
